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FAQ

FAQ

APARTMENTS & FLOOR PLANS

Valo has studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in Washington, DC, from cozy studios starting around 428 sq ft to spacious two-bedroom homes up to 1,137 sq ft. Every home includes an in-unit washer/dryer, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances. Select units come with private balconies or terraces, quartz countertops, and views of the U.S. Capitol and Washington Waterfront. Browse our available floor plans online, or reach out, and we'll help you find the right fit.

Valo has virtual tours online at Apartments.com, one for each floor plan type, so you can look through every layout from your couch. We also offer in-person tours and live video tours if you'd like a more personal look. Schedule a tour or reach out to our leasing team to schedule, whatever works best for you.

While our apartments are rented without furniture, we've partnered with CORT Furniture Rental to make furnishing your new space effortless. Choose stylish pieces, flexible lease options, and fast delivery-everything you need to feel at home from day one.

PRICING & FEES

The standard security deposit is $500 up to one month's rent, depending on your screening report. It's a one-time cost, and your leasing team can walk you through exactly what to expect.

You're free to choose the internet provider that works best for you. The Southwest Waterfront is served by major providers, including Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and RCN. Our leasing team can tell you which ones are most readily accessible in the building so you can get set up before move-in day.

Rent is paid online through Valo's resident portal, which also supports automatic recurring payments if you'd rather set it and forget it. Our leasing team will walk you through the portal setup when you move in.

TOURS AND VISITS

We'd love to show you around. You can tour Valo in person with one of our leasing agents, schedule a live video tour online, or give us a call. We'll find a time that works for you.

APPLICATION AND LEASING

Applying is simple: you can do it from our website or stop by our leasing office at 222 M Street SW. We offer variable lease terms to give you flexibility, and we often have lease offers available. Confirm current specials with our leasing team when you're ready to make your move.

Yes, a fee is charged per applicant to cover background and credit screening. Contact our leasing office for the current fee amount.

Please be prepared to provide the following:

• Current government-issued photo ID

• Proof of income (pay stubs, offer letter, or bank statements)

• Employment verification or employer contact information

• Rental history and landlord contact information

Our leasing team will send you the complete checklist when you're ready to move forward.

The standard income requirement is a combined household income of at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. If your income doesn't meet that threshold on its own, a guarantor may be an option. Contact the leasing team for details. 

Valo offers variable lease terms, depending on timing and availability. Visit our floor plans page or contact our leasing office to see what options are currently available on specific units.

Subleasing is governed by your individual lease agreement and DC law. Please check in with our leasing office before making any subleasing arrangements. We'll guide you through what's allowed.

Yes, renters' insurance with a minimum of $100,000 Liability coverage is required to help protect your home and belongings in your apartment. You will be asked to provide proof of active insurance before moving in. If you have any questions about the coverage needed, our leasing team will be happy to walk you through the details.

The leasing office will reach out before your required notice period with renewal options. You won't need to figure it out on your own; we’re here for you.

Yes. Valo participates in the DC Department of Housing and Community Development's Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) program, and income-restricted units are available at this development. Visit https://www.valodc.com/valueliving to learn more.

Yes! We offer leasing specials that vary throughout the year, so check our website to see what's currently available. We also proudly offer special incentives for Active Duty U.S. Military members, daycare workers, K-12 teachers and staff members, Police Officers and Firefighters - ask our leasing team for more details.

PETS

Valo is a pet-friendly community. You're welcome to bring up to two pets per apartment, and both cats and dogs are welcome. Certain breed restrictions do apply, so contact our leasing team to confirm your pet qualifies before you apply.

There is a one-time pet fee of $500 per pet, plus $60 per month in pet rent, for both cats and dogs. It's a reasonable cost to give your furry family member a great home in the city.

Valo takes its pet-friendly status seriously. On-site, you'll find a dedicated dog park and a pet spa: two amenities that are genuinely rare in Washington, DC. And when you want to venture further, you're minutes from East Potomac Park (327 acres of waterfront green space with walking and biking trails) and the broader Southwest Waterfront, a perfect backdrop for daily strolls along the Anacostia Riverfront.

AMENITIES AND FACILITIES

Valo's amenity package is one of the strongest in DC's Southwest Waterfront. Here's what's included:

• Rooftop Pool (9th floor): one of the only rooftop pools in SW DC, with waterfront and city views

• Rooftop Deck: with fire pit, lounge seating, and grill areas

• 24/7 Fitness Center: equipped with Peloton Bikes

• Dog Park and Pet Spa: dedicated on-site spaces for your four-legged residents

• Concierge services: professional on-site support

• Luxer Package Lockers: secure 24/7 package pickup

• Courtyard with BBQ grill: perfect for friends and family.

• On-site parking garage: available for an additional fee.

Every apartment also features an in-unit washer/dryer, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances. Many units have private balconies or terraces and quartz countertops. And from select units, the view of the U.S. Capitol is hard to beat.

Every Valo apartment has its own in-unit washer and dryer, so there’s no shared laundry room, no waiting, no quarters. Just convenient laundry on your time, in your own home.

Bike storage with a repair station is offered at Valo. The Southwest Waterfront neighborhood is one of the most bikeable areas in DC, with the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, East Potomac Park paths, and multiple Capital Bikeshare stations all within easy reach.

Residents choose and set up their own internet service. Utilities, including internet, are not included in rent. The SW Waterfront area is well-covered by Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and other major providers. We recommend arranging service before or on move-in day so you're connected from day one.

PARKING

Yes, Valo has an on-site parking garage at an additional monthly fee. Contact our leasing office for current rates!

EV charging stations are offered on-site.

MOVE-IN AND MOVE-OUT

Move-in costs typically include your first month's rent and security deposit. Our leasing team will provide a full, transparent breakdown of all upfront costs in your lease documents before you sign. 

We want to make you feel at home and to make your place your own, but some restrictions apply. Before painting, hanging items, or making any modifications, check your lease agreement or ask management. We're happy to clarify what's allowed. Keep in mind, it is essential that your home is returned in the same condition it was received.

Life happens. If you need to end your lease early, reach out to our leasing office as soon as possible. Early termination is subject to your lease terms and DC tenant protection laws. We'll explain your options clearly and work with you to find the best path forward.

Your lease will specify the required advance notice of 60 days in writing. At move-out, we'll conduct a walkthrough of your apartment and provide a checklist ahead of time to help you maximize your deposit return.

Under DC law, landlords are required to return security deposits within 45 days of the lease end date, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Leaving your apartment in good condition and providing your forwarding address are the two most important things you can do to speed things along.

MAINTENANCE AND REQUESTS

Log in to the resident portal to submit a maintenance request at any time. You can also contact the management office during business hours.

Our team works to address routine requests as quickly as possible. Emergency maintenance is available 24/7, so you're covered no matter when something comes up. 

COMMUNITY AND LIFESTYLE

Valo is a community where residents look out for each other. Quiet hours and noise policies are outlined in your lease and governed by DC regulations. Generally speaking, residents are expected to be considerate of neighbors, particularly during evening and overnight hours. Your lease will have the specific quiet hour policy.

Valo is in DC Public Schools (DCPS), the traditional public school district for Washington, DC. Families in the Southwest Waterfront are served by neighborhood schools from elementary through high school, and DC's open enrollment system gives students access to schools across the entire city, including magnet programs and public charter options. Some of the nearby schools include:

  • Amidon-Bowen Elementary School (PK–5)

  • Jefferson Middle School Academy (6–8)

  • Eastern Senior High School (9-12)

For information on boundary schools and enrollment options, visit DC Public Schools or use the address lookup tool at enrolldcps.dc.gov.

Valo's address at 222 M Street SW puts you right in one of DC's most exciting and fast-growing neighborhoods: the Southwest Waterfront. The transportation situation is genuinely excellent:

• Metro (Green Line): The Waterfront Metro station is 0.1 miles away (basically across the street). Downtown takes about 5–8 minutes.

• Metro Bus: C11, C55, D50.

• L'Enfant Plaza: One stop away. L'Enfant Plaza connects the Green, Yellow, Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines, giving you access to virtually the entire Metro network.

• DC Circulator: The National Mall and Navy Yard Circulator routes run through the neighborhood for easy, low-cost access to major destinations.

• Capital Bikeshare: Multiple stations throughout the SW Waterfront, with the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail right outside for dedicated cycling.

• The Wharf: Right around the corner, featuring waterfront dining, entertainment, the Anthem concert venue, and Arena Stage.

• Nationals Park & Navy Yard:  About a 10-minute walk east along the waterfront.

• Reagan National Airport (DCA): 5.1 miles away, about 11 minutes by car or accessible by Metro.

• I-395 and I-695: Convenient highway access for drivers heading to Northern Virginia, Maryland, or beyond.

The Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Smithsonian museums are also close by; a rare bonus for daily life in DC.

Valo is smoke-free throughout all interior spaces (apartments, hallways, common areas, elevators, and stairwells) in accordance with building policy and DC health regulations. Contact our leasing office for the full policy details, including any designated outdoor areas.

Still Have Questions? We'd Love to Help.

Your next home is move-in ready! Whether you want to apply today or are just starting to explore, our leasing team is here to answer every question; no pressure, no rush. Stop by, give us a call, or reach out to request a tour and ask every question you have. We'd love to show you what makes Valo a place worth coming home to.

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